Business Bites: community cleanup; independent bookstore day at Cassiopeia; Give Great Falls; small business assistance; preservation awards and more
Community Cleanup
Each year since 1983, NeighborWorks Great Falls has organized a city-wide cleanup in Great Falls and Black Eagle.
Done in partnership with Malmstrom Air Force Base, Republic Services, and local teams, this effort is now known as the CommUNITY Cleanup. It was formerly MApril.
NWGF provides the supplies and coordinates volunteers and cleanup sites, while local teams pick up trash, rake leaves, and further beautify their location.
Malmstrom covers routes throughout town, picks up the trash bags from other cleanup locations, and makes trips to the landfill. Republic Services then waives the dump fees.
This year, the cleanup is April 24-25 with more than 25 local teams signed up to participate.
There will also be cleanup efforts happening in Cascade and Belt as part of the annual CommUNITY Cleanup.
Learn more here or call 406-216-3504.
Cassiopeia Books
It’s Independent Bookstore Day on April 25 and Cassiopeia Books is offering 10 percent off your entire purchase on Saturday to celebrate.
The shop is also hosting an evening with sci-fi author Laurie Stevens to hear about her new dystopian thriller, The Return at 6 p.m. May 13.
Give Great Falls
Give Great Falls is April 26-May 2 and includes 71 organizations this year.
The event is organized by the Great Falls Area Community Foundation, which seeks to provide opportunities for philanthropy “by connecting people who care with causes that matter now and far into the future.”
The nonprofit showcase is April 27 at The Newberry when attendees can meet representatives of more than 50 nonprofits in one location.
In 2025, Give Great Falls raised $60,417 for 64 organizations with more than 437 individual donors.
Small business help
The Great Falls Development Alliance and Small Business Administration hosted a day of roundtable discussions with area manufacturers on April 21 in Great Falls.
The focus was on how companies can access SBA resources and the administration’s focus on cutting back red-tape regulations.
“Our role is to listen to businesses and find ways to reduce costs and red-tape or our businesses and working families to help them thrive.” Justin Everett, SBA’s Rocky Mountains regional administrator, said in a release. “We’ve already seen success in our partnership with Trent Staggs our regional advocate. Wins for the trucking industry and others. We are where the rubber meets the road.”
It’s Everett’s fourth trip to Montana so far this year.
“Previously, businesses didn’t know who their SBA administrator or regional advocate are. We are here to change that. You need to tell us what you need from D.C. and our directive from the administration is to make it happen. It’s a grassroots approach.” Everett said in a release. “This isn’t in isolation. We’ve been told to work across all agencies because businesses work across multi agencies.”
Companies that weren’t able to attend but are seeking resources or would like to discuss how to get their regulation issues before the regional advocate should contact Jolene Schalper at GFDA at JSchalper@GrowGreatFalls.org.
McNamee retires as swimming coach
Ed McNamee, head swimming coach for C.M. Russell and Great Falls high schools, is retiring from that position.
He’s served as the head swim coach for the past 22 seasons.
He was recently named head baseball coach for the inaugural Great Falls High team and will continue in that role.
During his tenure, GFPS teams were consistently near the top of the AA conference, capturing 29 total trophies, including nine state championships and 11 runner-up finishes.
McNamee was named Montana Coaches Association coach of the year seven times.
GFPS to field inaugural high school baseball teams this spring
He was the NFHS Montana coach of the year in 2021, 2022 and 2023 and a finalist for the National High School Athletic Coaches Association national coach of the year in 2011, 2014, 2018, 2023 and 2026.
McNamee was inducted into the MCA Hall of Fame class of 2023.
“The GFPS Athletic Department and administrative teams at both Great Falls High and C.M. Russell thank Coach McNamee for his years of dedication to the athletes…and the sport of swimming. Ed developed and established a unique culture in which all athletes were valued and four programs meshed into one family. This leadership, coupled with local long-time swimming supporters, a dedicated group of parents and a highly engaged group of alumni have made Great Falls swimming one of the premier programs in the state of Montana,” Mike Henneberg, GFPS athletic director, said in a release. “While change is difficult, Ed built the foundation for future generations of swimmers to thrive and enjoy unprecedented success. We will miss him, but wish him the best of luck in all his future endeavors.”
The swimming coach position will be advertised April 27 on the GFPS website and remain open until filled.
Preservation Awards
The City-County Historic Preservation Advisory Commission and History Museum are hosting a joint ceremony for the 2026 Preservation and Legacy Awards on May 9.
The free event begins at 1 p.m. with light refreshments in the Ozark Club event room, followed by the museum’s annual membership meeting.
This year’s honorees, according to HPAC and the museum, are:
The Beckman’s Building, stewarded by Shari Jenkins Schmit, will receive a 2026 Preservation Award from HPAC.
The building at 309 Central Avenue was constructed in 1888 by contractor William Roberts for A.W. Kingsbury and was originally designed in a Victorian style. Over its history, it has housed a range of businesses, including the W.B. Raleigh Company, the Imperial Theater, and most notably Beckman Brothers Furriers, which operated there from 1928 to 1990. Known throughout the region for their expertly crafted garments and popular fashion shows, the Beckman Brothers left a lasting mark on the community and the building itself, adding significant Art Deco alterations in 1929, which shaped the building’s appearance. In more recent years, the space was home to Feather Your Nest. Shari Jenkins Schmit acquired the building in 2024 and began a careful restoration to honor its past while preparing it for exciting new uses.
Union Bethel AME Church will receive a 2026 Preservation Award.
The church, established in 1890 as the center of Great Falls’ African American community, constructed its current building in 1917 after the original wood-frame church fell into disrepair. Built with contributions from its congregation and local supporters, the Gothic Revival-style structure has long served as both a religious and cultural hub, playing a
central role in the city’s African American civil rights history and community life.
Recently, a significant preservation effort has focused on stabilizing and restoring the church’s historic masonry, including repointing the exterior brick walls, repairing parapets, and reinforcing the building’s structural integrity. This project, supported by major state and national preservation grants and implemented by a dedicated congregation, carefully maintains the church’s historic materials and appearance. This ongoing work ensures that Union Bethel AME Church continues to serve as a vital landmark and enduring symbol of community, heritage, and resilience in Great Falls.
City approves pass-through grant funding for Union Bethel church restoration project [2025]
The History Museum & Research Center’s Individual Legacy Award honors Dr. Edrienne (Cindy) Kittredge. She was born and raised on her family’s ranch outside of Cascade.
Kittredge studied at the College of William and Mary, Arizona State University, the University of Montana and Montana State University. She served as the executive director of the Cascade County Historical Society for 18 years, from 1987 to 2004.
During that time, Kittredge moved it from two rooms at Paris Gibson Square to the current building on Machinery Row.
She was the first full-time executive director and the longest-serving director of the society. After her tenure at The History Museum, Kittredge led programs to recognize and support the arts in rural Montana. She helped create the Montana’s Circle of American Masters program and developed My Artrepreneur Program (MAP), which helps rural folk artists to succeed.
Now she is focusing on writing and has a book coming out later in 2026: Crossing Bird Creek: A Land Ethic for Montana and the New West. Throughout her career, Kittredge has championed history and traditional lifeways. This award recognizes her dedication to preserving our past through this year’s individual legacy award.
This year’s 100 Year Legacy Award honors the Fagenstrom Company.
Joe and Hjalmar Fagenstrom came to Great Falls in 1908, working on building the railroad line from Armington to Billings. The brothers formed a partnership, creating Fagenstrom Bros. around 1914. They did well as general contractors until the Depression caused them to be stuck with new houses they couldn’t sell.
WWII came, sending Joe’s sons, Jim and Dick off to war. They both returned safely and in 1948, Joe started a new business with his son Jim, called Joe Fagenstrom & Son. They focused then on utility construction, mainly sewer and water pipe installation. Joe retired in 1968.
Jim had four children: sons Kurt, Brett, Kim and daughter Eve. Jim and his family moved to Portland, Ore. and left the business in the care of a manager. When the manager was killed in an accident in 1974, Kurt and Brett returned to take care of the business. Kim joined them in 1977. The sons have kept the business alive, diversifying into pre-cast concrete and adding new facilities. Greg Fagenstrom is now the fourth-generation co-owner.
Great Falls Rescue Mission needs protein
This week, the Great Falls Rescue Mission served 200 meals to the public, “which is an incredible honor and joy” but their protein supply is now running low and they need:
- ground beef (about 50 pounds)
- pork shoulder/butt
- chicken – whole or cut up
- sausage
- bacon
Donations may be dropped off at the Cameron Family Center, 408 2nd Ave. S. on Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
A couple of dual enrollment students and a nontraditional student earned top honors at the Currents of Connection speech symposium at Great Falls College on April 17.
It’s the third year GFC held a speech symposium and the first time it was a cross-campus event with Helena College bringing a student to the competition.
Madysen Adams, a dual enrollment student at GFC from Choteau, took home top honors with a speech titled “Address to the Public” that examined the United States’ treatment of immigrants.
Eden Garcia da Silva, a dual enrollment student at Helena College, talked about two miracles she experienced after her mother was involved in a horrific crash when Eden was young: her mother’s recovery and Eden’s ability to find her voice despite acute introversion through meeting those who reached out to help their family.
Jamie Resset, a nontraditional student in Great Falls College’s substance abuse and addictions counseling program, spoke about the power of connection and its effect on his life.
Chayse Seaburg and Brooklynn Bourdeau from GFC also participated.
The event will be held at Helena College next year.
The top three students earned scholarships of $250, $150 and $100.
The Cascade County Sheriff’s Office hosted crisis intervention training this week.
Upon completion, participants are certified by CIT Montana, and law enforcement will be certified by Montana P.O.S.T. as a CIT officer.
This CIT academy is based on the Memphis model and its purpose is to assist first responders (law enforcement officers, detention staff, dispatchers, EMS), ER staff, behavioral health advocates, and anyone involved in the community crisis system in engaging, assessing, and assisting individuals in crisis with mental and or co-occurring substance disorders. The evidence-based training exposes participants to materials and experiences from trained mental health and medical professionals to better prepare them to effectively and safely work with this unique population.
The training includes suicide assessment and intervention; substance abuse and dual diagnosis; introduction to mental illness; psychotropic medications and legal issues.
Edwards Jones Awards
Edward Jones financial advisor Jordan L. Husted of Great Falls has been named to the 2026 Barron’s Top 1,500 Financial Advisors. The recipients are ranked by state, and Husted is included in the Montana ranking.
Husted is one of the 16 Edward Jones financial advisors named to the 2026 Top 1,500 ranking by Barron’s.
He’s a member of Husted Wealth Management, which also includes financial advisor Brit A. Kessner. They are supported by their client support team: Suzanne Overcast and Karen Enseleit, senior branch office administrators, and and Sya Herzog, branch office administrator.
They can be reached at 406-727-1111 or online here.
Top 10 for 2025: Business Bites
Laci McGregor, an Edward Jones branch office administrator in Great Falls , recently received the firm’s Spirit of Caring Award designed to recognize those branch office administrators who exemplify the values, culture and spirit of giving back.
McGregor has demonstrated unyielding dedication to giving back, which has positively impacted her clients, colleagues and community.
The award is given to only one branch office administrator in each of the firm’s 334 regions and is determined by a vote of her peers.
Cashless kiosks at Missouri River Breaks
Visitors have a new, cashless way to pay camping and recreation fees at three Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument campgrounds.
Coal Banks Landing, Judith Landing and James Kipp campgrounds now feature electronic fee kiosks that allow visitors to pay any camping or recreation fees using a credit card.
The machines can be activated by touching the screen, then users need only to follow the prompts and pay by “tap” on the machine to complete their transaction. After doing so, the machine issues a printed receipt.
The traditional iron ranger fee boxes and envelopes remain available at each location for those who wish to pay with cash.
James Kipp Recreation Area, which opened on April 1, is situated along the Upper Missouri River where U.S. Highway 191 crosses the river valley in central Montana. There are 34 no-hookup campsites that can accommodate trailers or recreational vehicles up to 40 feet in length. Each site has a designated fire ring and picnic table. The campground is equipped with vault toilets, trash dumpsters and an RV waste dump. Non-potable water and the RV dump station will be available mid-May.
Coal Banks Landing Campground, which opened on April 1, is the starting point for many river trips within the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument and features 20 campsites. Potable water will be available mid-May.
Other Bureau of Land Management recreation sites in the monument will likely become available for visitor use by mid-May, based on seasonal road conditions affecting access, including Judith Landing Campground (scheduled to open May 15).
Campsites at all three campgrounds cost $20 per site/night and are first-come, first-served.
All boaters should remember that the water is extremely cold and fast-flowing this time of year.
For safety’s sake, make sure all boat occupants wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved lifejacket.
Operators of all types of vessels should know and follow the rules for watercraft in the Breaks, and practice safe and courteous boating, so everyone on the river can enjoy this scenic national treasure.
View or download the boaters’ guide here.
For more information or to get help planning your monumental adventure, call the Missouri Breaks Interpretive Center at 406-622-4000, or visit the monument’s webpage.
Berkshire Hathaway
Berkshire Hathaway Energy Montana recently held a ribbon-cutting for its office on the third floor of 501 River Drive S., which it said in 2024 that it was opening.
The company said in 2024 that it was developing a new 75-megawatt Glacier Battery System, between Cut Bank and Shelby, to support wind and solar energy generation in Montana.
GFCMSU gets $1.4 million donation to create grid operator program [2025]
Steve Lautenberg of BHE said during an October 2024 GFDA event that the battery will support their existing wind farm and will allow them to charge the battery when there’s an excess of wind power rather than shutting down turbines.
Construction started in September 2024, Lautenberg said, and they were next planning to start construction on a 1,000-acre solar park that will generate 100-megawatt solar farm in 2025.
Montana Safflower
Montana Safflower recently held its grant opening at 16 Liberty Lane, off the Vaughn South Frontage Road, just past the Manchester exit.
The company uses Montana-grown safflower to create a new market for a drought-resistant crop for Montana farmers and craft unmatched oil in small batches, cold-pressed for flavor and nutrition.
It’s a partnership between Montana Farmers Union and Ag Processing Solutions owned by Andrew and Jennifer Bishop of Brady.
Initially, the press will continue to process the 1,000 acres a year that it processed under its previous ownership. As growers and customers increase, Bishop said he sees a clear path to processing 10,000 acres within five years and, ultimately, a total of 30,000 acres of safflower from conventional and organic growers each year to reach a scale of 50 tons of safflower processed each day. The oil will be sold both for household use and in bulk.
Got a business bite? Email it to jenn@theelectricgf.com with ‘business bite’ in the subject line and the details in text form in the body of the email.
